I Am The American Legion: Charemon Dunham

By Laura Edwards

Charemon Dunham considers herself a “people person.” You could say that’s why she joined the Army when she found herself at a crossroads during college – and why she has spent nearly three decades serving The American Legion.  

It all started when Dunham hung up her uniform and returned to her home state of South Dakota, where she attended a meeting at her late father’s Legion post in Iroquois. By the time it was over, she’d been elected post chaplain. Dunham has since climbed the leadership ladder, enjoying the camaraderie and marveling at all the Legion has done since its founding. 

“I cannot imagine the United States without The American Legion,” she says. “We support veterans, but also our local communities. We help so much.”

That love for the Legion’s legacy led Dunham to serve for 10 years as department historian, compiling award-winning yearbooks for national department history contests. From there, she took on the role of national historian and was appointed to the Legion’s national 100th Anniversary Observance Committee. 

Her enthusiasm for the big event is evident. Dunham has started several South Dakota posts’ pages on the Centennial Celebration website, and as department commander she’s encouraging every post to put its history online. In her view, there’s no better time than the centennial to talk about a local Legion post’s importance.

“We get used to doing what we’re doing and not letting people know,” she says. “What we’re doing now is laying the groundwork for a great future.”

 

Branch of Service  Army (1974-1976, 1979-1990)

Military Job  Personnel officer

Rank  Captain

American Legion Post  Bensley-Rounds Post 280, Iroquois, S.D.

Years in the Legion  27

Legion Activities 

  • Department commander (2016-2017) 
  • National historian (2013-2014)
  • Department vice commander (2011-2012)
  • District commander (2008-2010)
  • National Association of Department Historians of The American Legion president (2005-2007)
  • Department historian (1998-2008)
  • County commander (1996-1997)
  • Post commander (1995-1997, 2003-2005)
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